- 47
Jan Mankes (1889-1920)
Description
- Jan Mankes
- koper kannetje met rozen
- signed
- oil on canvas
- 26,5 by 22 cm.
- Painted in 1915.
Provenance
Exhibited
Bechworth, Surrey, Brockham Park, Collectie P. Rijkens, 1930
The Hague, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, Collectie-Dr. Paul Rijkens, April-May 1960, no. 58 (as camelia's in koperen potje)
Assen, Drents Museum Assen, Jan Mankes 1889-1920, February-May 2007, no. 140
Literature
A. Mankes-Zernike a.o., Jan Mankes, Wassenaar 1928, p. 61
A. Ottevanger, a.o., Jan Mankes 1889-1920, Zwolle 2007, p.199, no. Sch 140, illustrated in colour
Catalogue Note
Jan Mankes found his inspiration in his own backyard. Indeed, the subjects in his often small sized paintings such as flowers, a birds nest, some eggs or a dead bird are never dramatic nor overwhelming but Mankes depicts them with dignity and even a certain greatness.
Perhaps this is because of the delicate way of painting. He painted layer over layer and then scratches the surface with a piece of pumice. His intention was to create a piece of soul, something which he certainly achieved. This tecnique made the paint layers thin and transparent and the appearance dreamlike and serene.
This greatness could be caused by the detailed and concentrated way of portraying. His paintings are small but the subject is field filling. The isolated and focussed presentation gives the work an importance and independence.
Maybe it is achieved by the mystery that lies in the seeming modesty. The depiction of flowers, birds (dead or alive), bottles or people seems to be more than just a representation. They are fragile, vague and almost sentimental.
Koper kannetje met Rozen is another fine example of Mankes’ delicate still lifes. The pale cream-colored roses have slightly transparent leaves which stand out strongly to the dark background. The simple composition and the strong contrast of the flowers against the background show the influence of contemporary Japanese printmaking and particularly the work of Katsushika Hokusai as well as Van Gogh.
Jan Mankes died in 1920 at the age of 31 and in even during his life time he was a renowned painter. Today his genius is celebrated in a retrospective. This travellig exhibition is hosted by the Drents Museum in Assen, the Scheringa Museum voor Realisme in Spanbroek and finally by the Museum voor Moderne Kunst in Arnhem.